Notable Camping Spots
- Best for equestrians: St. Joe Campground 2 allows horses at the campsites.
- Best for ORV fanatics: St. Joe Campground 1 is the ORV area and offers a rinse station and access to the ORV trail system.
- Best for off-grid camping: St. Joe Campground also has trailside campsites. Contact the park for more details.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- If you will be bringing horses or off-road vehicles, you must camp in the appropriate campground. If you have neither, you can pick from either.
- This is a popular park, so advanced reservations are recommended.
- Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance. Use the Missouri State Parks website or phone number.
- Both campgrounds are open and reservable year round.
- Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31, with a couple of frost-free spigots available during the off season.
- The showerhouse is located in Campground 1.
- Basic and electric sites are available, with some pull-thrus and 50-amp hookups found in Campground 1. Campground 2 has basic and electric sites.
- Weekend reservations require a two-night stay.
When to Go
This park has recreational options year round. The ORV area is even accessible to snowmobiles after heavier snows. Campers need to prepare for freezing temperatures in winter months. During the summer, the park is at its busiest, with full campgrounds and lots of traffic. The swim beaches are also popular. During the spring and fall, activities may settle down, though weekends are busier. The weather is pleasant, with the best scenery in October.
Know Before You Go
- You will hear the noise of ORV engines at this park.
- All vehicles must be parked on asphalt pads.
- Campground 1 gates close at 10 p.m. After-hours admission may be requested a day in advance by calling the park office.
- Canoe and kayak rentals are offered onsite, or you may bring your own.
- Electric trolling motors are allowed on watercraft, but gas-powered engines are not permitted on the lake.
- Two swimming beaches are provided, and scuba diving is allowed in two of the park’s lakes.
St. Joe State Park
Hit the trails on bike, horseback, or ATV in this adventurous Missouri park.
While many state parks offer peaceful retreats, this one comes with the roar of engines. As one of only two Missouri state parks that allow off-road vehicles, St. Joe is a popular location for this energetic activity. ORVers, equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers, and paddlers will all find trails to meet their varied needs and desires, with a backdrop of waters and wooded hills. Four lakes extend the fun to the water, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. Venture to nearby Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Parks to explore the fascinating geological features found in this region of southeastern Missouri.
While many state parks offer peaceful retreats, this one comes with the roar of engines. As one of only two Missouri state parks that allow off-road vehicles, St. Joe is a popular location for this energetic activity. ORVers, equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers, and paddlers will all find trails to meet their varied needs and desires, with a backdrop of waters and wooded hills. Four lakes extend the fun to the water, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. Venture to nearby Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Parks to explore the fascinating geological features found in this region of southeastern Missouri.
Activities in the park
1 campground in St. Joe State Park
Four lakes brimming with options for boating, swimming, and fishing-fun? You must be at St. Joe Campground at St. Joe State Park. It also offers an equestrian trail, hiking and bicycle trails, picnic shelters, and one of the state's two off-road vehicle parks. You’ll love this location for riding around with your family or some buddies, and then h Read more...
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Notable Camping Spots
Notable Camping Spots
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
This park has recreational options year round. The ORV area is even accessible to snowmobiles after heavier snows. Campers need to prepare for freezing temperatures in winter months. During the summer, the park is at its busiest, with full campgrounds and lots of traffic. The swim beaches are also popular. During the spring and fall, activities may settle down, though weekends are busier. The weather is pleasant, with the best scenery in October.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —